The Ontario Ministry of Energy has announced the province is now accepting project applications for the next round of the Smart Grid Fund program.

The C$50 million program supports Ontario-based projects that test, develop and bring to market smart grid solutions. The ministry says this round of funding will support advanced energy technology projects, such as energy storage and electric vehicle integration. Launched in April 2011, the first round of the program is supporting nine projects and has created more than 600 direct and indirect jobs, the ministry adds.

“We have a real opportunity to build one of the most advanced electricity grids in the world,” says Ontario Minister of Energy Bob Chiarelli. “These smart grid projects will give consumers more power over their electricity use, while ensuring our entire system uses energy as efficiently as possible.”

Project applications are due Sept. 6. More information is available here.

Months after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its Clean Power Plan, which will create new regulations for existing power plants, the agency says it has received loads of feedback to consider.